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Cardiff City FC Academy

The Academy 2014/15

An Academy is not just a building, group of young players and coaches or a scheme. It encompasses all of these things, but more importantly it is a philosophy, a culture and a way of doing things.

Cardiff City Football Club has always been centred around the local community. The great players and teams throughout the Club's history have been built on local boys and local talent. We have a proud history of nurturing young stars of the future and continue to maintain our commitment to youth development by doing it in the correct way.

Under the guidance of Academy Manager James McCarthy, the Academy identifies, recruits and coaches aspiring professionals so as to maximise their potential under the very best professional development programmes. In addition to their football development, we work closely with schools and colleges to ensure that our players receive the very best education during their time with the club - a culture overseen by Education and Welfare Manager, Steve Ellis.

Those who make the grade at the end of their school-boy days are offered every chance of breaking into the first-team. Those who don't make the grade are given the correct support for pursuing their careers elsewhere, be it in, or outside of the football environment.

Below are brief profiles of our 2014/15 under 18 squad:

Rhys AbbruzzeseDefender

Rhys joined Cardiff City's Academy at U9 level and has been capped by Wales in the Victory Shield during the past two seasons.

He has also been capped at U17 level for his country.Rhys is a very competent, tenacious left-back who is particularly adept at one on one situations.

Jamie BirdForward

Jamie signed his apprenticeship deal at the relatively young age of 15. He has a great deal of pace and is technically very good with a range of ball striking abilities.

Jamie recently recovered from a stress fracture to his ankle and has completed a full rehabilitation programme ahead of his first season in full time football. He has been involved with City’s Academy set up since the age of eight.

Aidan Chappell-SmithForward

Aidan is relatively new to the Cardiff City setup having joined the club on a trial period back in December, but has made a big impression during this short time.

He has lightning pace and works extremely hard while in the forward positions. Aidan signed a two-year apprenticeship with Cardiff on July 1st 2014.

Lloyd HumphriesMidfielder

Lloyd signed his scholarship at the end of the 2012/13 season as an U15, but shortly after suffered a cruciate ligament injury that put him out of action for eight months.

Having returned to training towards the end of 2013/14, Lloyd regained full fitness and began playing once more. He's consistently shown his fantastic passing range and attacking ability since, much to the delight of his coaches and physiotherapists. It is a true testament to Lloyd’s strength of character.

Elvis MenayeseForward

Elvis is a quick, strong and aggressive running centre forward. Having been a revelation in the U16 setup, he finished the season as U16 top-scorer.

Elvis works tirelessly in both attacking and defensive situations and loves to stretch defences with his pace. Twin brother of team-mate, Rollin.

Rollin MenayeseDefender

Central defender Rollin signed for City as an apprentice ahead of the 2014/15 season, joining twin-brother Elvis in City colours.

A man-mountain of a defender at U18 level, Rollin possesses good technical ability and is a real threat in both penalty boxes. He has been capped by Wales at U16 & U17 levels.

Shane ParryDefender

Shane has been capped by Wales at U16 and U17 levels and signed his Cardiff City scholarship in the summer of 2014.

A strong defender, he has worked hard on his composure in possession of the ball. The Merthyr-born defender is a popular character both on and off the pitch.

Luke WakemanGoalkeeper

Luke came into the club on a trial period from Wolverhampton Wanderers in early 2014 and impressed our goalkeeping coaches with his bravery and determination.

The addition of the young stopper will ensure strong competition for the jersey, with Joe Massaro now in his second year.

Sam WilliamsDefender

Sam joined Cardiff City at the beginning of the 2013/14 season, leaving Aldershot Town following their decision to finish as an Academy.

Very comfortable in possession having previously played in central midfield, Sam can play competently off both feet. He was part of Wales’ Victory Shield squad for the 2013/14 season.